Secret tricks?

[Sid Pits]

Changed the right tie rod on my l3901 after hitting a stump hidden in tall grass.
I had to loosen the big nut on the steering spine to insert the cotter pin in the tie rod castle nut.It loosened easily but now won't tighten up.Is there a trick to this,or do I need to take everything off and start over?

 

[mikester]

Make sure it isn't cross threading. If the nut came off easy it should go on easy. If you damaged the threads you will need to re-tap and/or re-thread the damaged parts.

 

[Dave_eng]

Please look at the photo I attached. If the problem is identified by the red arrow then:

I suspect your difficulty is that the tie rod tapered piece is rotating in the knuckle.

Get a piece of wood 2 x 4 and find a way to press down using some significant leverage on the top of the tie rod while tightening the nut.

To align cotter pin holes with the castle nut slots, you always tighten more never loosen.

If I have not understood your issue, then a more complete description will help you get a solution.

Dave

 

[Lil Foot]

If the taper is spinning, often a quick zap with an impact wrench while pressing the taper together will get it to bite.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Additionally, make sure the mating tapers are clean and dry. They are always a dry fit.